Songs That Won the War (3-CD Set) | Imperial War Museum Collection

UPC: 803412232928 

MPN: RRCD229/230/231/IWM 

Brand Name: River Records / Imperial War Museum (IWM)

Overview

Songs That Won the War is a moving 3-CD collection that gathers over three hours of cherished wartime songs and speeches from Britain’s finest voices of the 1940s. Released in partnership with the Imperial War Museum, this compilation captures the spirit, courage, and sentimentality that sustained a nation through World War II.

Featuring beloved artists such as Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Noël Coward, Glenn Miller, and historic addresses by Sir Winston Churchill, this anthology blends music, humor, and heroism into an unforgettable portrait of an era. Perfect for history enthusiasts, collectors, and those who treasure Britain’s wartime legacy of resilience and hope.

Product Features

• Format: 3 × Audio CD (Boxed Set)
• Genre: Wartime Songs / Traditional Pop / Big Band / Historical Recordings
• Label: River Records in association with the Imperial War Museum
• Release Year: 2005
• Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom / EU
• Total Duration: Over 3 hours
• Audio Source: Original 1939–1945 recordings (digitally remastered)
• Catalog Number: RRCD229/230/231/IWM
• Barcode: 803412232928

Interesting Facts

• A Nation’s Soundtrack: The collection traces the emotional journey of Britain during WWII—songs of hope, separation, and triumph that inspired both soldiers and civilians.
• Historic Speeches Included: Authentic wartime speeches by Sir Winston Churchill and General Dwight D. Eisenhower appear throughout, lending the collection powerful historical context.
• The Voice of a Generation: Vera Lynn, known as “The Forces’ Sweetheart,” appears throughout the set with iconic performances of We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs of Dover, and When They Sound the Last All-Clear.
• Archival Collaboration: Produced in association with the Imperial War Museum (London), the set preserves both the cultural and emotional history of wartime Britain.
• Authentic Restoration: Each track was carefully remastered from original sources, maintaining period warmth while improving clarity for modern listeners.

Track Listing

Disc 1 – Wish Me Luck...

1. Declaration of War – Neville Chamberlain
2. Air Raid Warning Siren
3. Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye – Gracie Fields
4. We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn
5. There’ll Always Be an England – Jack Payne
6. This Is Worth Fighting For – Hutch
7. We Must All Stick Together – Billy Cotton
8. Kiss Me Goodnight, Sergeant Major – Arthur Askey
9. Adolf – Ambrose
10. London Pride – Noël Coward
11. Music While You Work – Eric Coates
12. A Pair of Silver Wings – Dinah Shore
13. The White Cliffs of Dover – Vera Lynn
14. “Never in the field of human conflict…” – Winston Churchill
15. If I Only Had Wings – Geraldo
16. Run, Rabbit Run – Flanagan & Allen
17. Hang Out the Washing on the Siegfried Line – Arthur Askey
18. Lili Marlene – Anne Shelton
19. Leaning on a Lamp-post – George Formby
20. If a Grey-Haired Lady – Flanagan & Allen
21. I’ll Be Seeing You – Anne Shelton
22. Goodnight Sweetheart – Al Bowlly
23. Till the Lights of London Shine Again – Lew Stone
24. “This Was Their Finest Hour” – Winston Churchill

Disc 2 – Sending My Blessings...

1. “We Shall Never Surrender” – Winston Churchill
2. The Five O’Clock Whistle – Harry Roy
3. A Little on the Lonely Side – The Squadronaires
4. Sentimental Journey – Doris Day
5. Wishing – Vera Lynn
6. Five Minutes More – The Squadronaires
7. Yours – Vera Lynn
8. I’ll Never Smile Again – Joe Loss
9. “Give Us the Tools…” – Winston Churchill
10. I’m Sending My Blessings – Ivy Benson
11. Bless ’Em All – George Formby
12. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square – Vera Lynn
13. Long Ago and Far Away – Jo Stafford
14. When the Lights Go On Again – Issy Bonn
15. Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller
16. D-Day Speech – General Dwight D. Eisenhower
17. American Patrol – Glenn Miller
18. The Bombardier Song – Bing Crosby
19. Wings Over the Navy – Lew Stone
20. Coming In on a Wing and a Prayer – Anne Shelton
21. Commando Patrol – The Squadronaires
22. I’m Gonna Get Lit Up – Carroll Gibbons
23. Blue Skies Are Round the Corner – Jack Hylton
24. When They Sound the Last All-Clear – Vera Lynn
25. Air Raid “All-Clear” Siren

Disc 3 – This Is Your Victory...

1. Surrender Speech – Winston Churchill
2. In the Mood – Glenn Miller
3. Put Your Arms Around Me – Joe Loss
4. Juke Box Saturday Night – Glenn Miller
5. Bugle Call Rag – Harry Roy
6. Pennsylvania 6-5000 – Glenn Miller
7. Hey Little Hen – Nat Gonella
8. Swing Out to Victory – Fats Waller
9. Kalamazoo – Glenn Miller
10. I’m Gonna See My Baby – Johnny Mercer
11. Little Brown Jug – Glenn Miller
12. You Are My Sunshine – Harry Roy
13. Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree – Glenn Miller
14. Long Time No See – The Andrews Sisters
15. Chattanooga Choo Choo – Glenn Miller
16. There’s a Ship Rollin’ Home – Ivy Benson
17. Homeward Bound – Henry Hall
18. Coming Home – Vera Lynn
19. My Guy’s Come Back – Joe Loss
20. “This Is Your Victory...” – Winston Churchill
21. The Victory Polka – Joe Loss

Publishers

© & ℗ 2005 River Records. Released under license from the Imperial War Museum (IWM). All rights of the manufacturer and owner of the recorded works reserved. Produced in the EU. MCPS Licensed. Unauthorized copying, public performance, or broadcasting prohibited.

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